LeBron James: 5 Reasons He'll Leave Miami Heat in NBA Free Agency

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For weeks it has seemed as if LeBron James would ultimately return to the Miami Heat with a new contract and the Big-Three era would continue. However, reports have begun to surface that James truly intends to test the waters of NBA free agency. Here are five reasons why he will leave Miami and sign elsewhere.

5. Lengthening His Own Career

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5. Lengthening His Own Career

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The Heat defense is predicated on athleticism and blitzing opponent pick-and-rolls, both of which play to James' chief strengths. However, this kind of aggressive play can wear on a player's legs over time, and James' career might last a little longer if he gets out of Miami's system.

4. LeBron Is Looking For Something New

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4. LeBron Is Looking For Something New

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Desire for variety is fundamentally human, and James has done everything there is to do in Miami from a basketball standpoint. A fresh start in a new city has to seem pretty exciting to him.

3. Pat Riley

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3. Pat Riley

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Pat Riley has been very clear about wanting to keep James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh together, and was speaking directly to James all but in name when he said in a press conference that it would be wrong to walk out the door as soon as the going gets tough. Riley commands respect, but James has his share of rings too; talking down to LeBron probably wasn't a very good idea.

2. Miami's Inability to Attract Quality Free Agents

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2. Miami's Inability to Attract Quality Free Agents

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Miami has flopped in free agency so far, missing on two of its top targets in Marcin Gortat and Kyle Lowry. Reports suggest LeBron isn't interested in playing alongside the exact same team as last year, and wants some extra help brought in before signing any new deal with the Heat.

1. Weak Supporting Cast

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1. Weak Supporting Cast

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James certainly realizes how drastically Wade has declined, and Bosh is no longer the player he was with the Toronto Raptors either. Even if Miami does manage to attract a good free agent, the Big-Three has become a solo rather than a trio.

Sean Sarcu is a Chicago Blackhawks writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.